Agroforestry Living Laboratory

Agroforestry Summer Week

Our Agroforestry Summer Week is centred around agroforestry systems and initiatives. In lectures, workshops and excursions, we would like to familiarise various groups with the concept of agroforestry. We have planned a colourful potpourri of events. Three events are open to the public – we look forward to seeing you there!

Region with a green thumb

The Lower Rhine has traditionally been a strongly agricultural region. The cultivation of vegetables, fruit, cereals, ornamental plants, and livestock farming are among its hallmarks. Much of what grows and thrives here ends up on plates both near and far. The conditions for producing high-quality food locally are favourable. And—like everywhere else in the world—they are also changing: for example, ever warmer and drier summers pose increasing challenges for regional farmers and food producers.  Together, we need to develop solutions and adaptation strategies. Agroforestry systems can contribute to this goal.

Agroforestry integrates arable farming, livestock farming and forestry on one site

 The positive effects of agroforestry systems: greater crop and species diversity, erosion and water protection, shade for increased animal welfare, carbon storage, a favourable microclimate and, as a result, higher yields per hectare. At the same time, agroforestry systems are more complex to manage and require the relevant expertise from land users.

Ideas from and for the Lower Rhine region

The region’s agricultural expertise is vast. Why not use this wealth of knowledge to shape the agriculture of the future? Old varieties, new crops – ideally combined in harmony, in short: plenty of growth prospects! In addition, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has a unique infrastructure as a real laboratory including a tropical greenhouse with teaching and show gardens. This is also where the threads of the Agroforestry Living Laboratory come together. The project is the nucleus for further advancing agroforestry together with real farmers in the Lower Rhine region to make a sustainable contribution to a healthy food supply. Testing, collecting, and evaluating data, networking stakeholders – that’s the motto.

Planting and harvesting together

In the short term, the Agroforestry Living Laboratory aims to establish demonstration areas for various agroforestry systems in the Lower Rhine region in cooperation with local farmers and provide them with scientific support. The goal is to enable intelligent agroforestry that paves the way for a sustainable future.

Interested in becoming part of the agroforestry living lab with your farm? Contact us!